On Friday, 14th November 2025, the Directorate of the First Parliamentary Counsel (FPC) hosted a heartfelt and elegant farewell dinner in honour of Ms. Harriet Lwabi, who retired after an extraordinary 36 years of service to the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs.
The evening unfolded beside the tranquil poolside of Mestil Hotel, glowing under soft lights, gentle music, warm laughter, and the aroma of exquisite food and drinks. It was a serene celebration; one filled with emotion, pride, and deep gratitude.
The event was graced by the Attorney General, the Deputy Solicitor General, the Undersecretary, the Acting Director First Parliamentary Counsel, Directors, Heads of Department, and the entire FPC family, each gathered to honour a woman whose legacy has helped shape Uganda’s legal landscape.
A Legacy Written in the Laws of Uganda
Speaking at the dinner, the Attorney General paid glowing tribute to Ms. Lwabi’s unmatched contribution to the country’s legal framework since she joined the Ministry on 30th May 1989.
For over three decades, her craftsmanship and meticulous dedication have influenced countless principal and subsidiary laws of Uganda. Her expertise quietly underpinned major legal reforms and governance structures, including leading a team to a successful defence in the highstakes Uganda and Heritage Oil and Gass arbitration case, which saved the country USD 434 million funds that later contributed to the construction of the Karuma and Isimba hydropower dams, In the year 2011 to 2012, when she acted as Solicitor General.
Most recently, she played a pivotal role in the preparation of the 7th Revised Edition of the Principal Laws of Uganda, a monumental project ensuring that Uganda’s laws remain clear, accessible, and up to date for generations to come.
But beyond her technical brilliance, he spoke of Ms. Lwabi’s character her humility, calm authority, and innate sense of purpose that made her not only a leader of systems, but a leader of people. She mentored young lawyers, offered dependable advice, and upheld the highest standards of professionalism. “Her name may not always appear on the front pages of our laws,” the Attorney General noted, “but her imprint is permanently written across the Statute Book of Uganda.”
He further commended her impeccable integrity, for the 36 years of service without a single appearance before a sanctions committee or any mention of controversy.
“Service without fault is the highest form of service,” he remarked. “Ms. Lwabi, you have served with excellence.”
The Unsung Guardians of Order”: The Deputy Solicitor General’s Tribute
The Deputy Solicitor General, Mr. Charles Ouma, brought humour, honesty, and heartfelt appreciation to the evening as he spoke about the unique demands placed on the Directorate of the First Parliamentary Counsel.
He acknowledged, with a knowing smile, that FPC is a directorate that carries more stress and pressure than most people ever realize, while constantly navigating expectations from every direction: citizens, technocrats, institutions, and politicians, all eager for the law to reflect their hopes, priorities, and desires.
“It is a mystery task trying to satisfy everyone,” he noted, drawing laughter and nods from the audience. Yet, it is this very work, often unseen, often misunderstood that keeps the country anchored and functioning.
He thanked every member of the Directorate present, recognizing their role in holding the nation together:
“You do the work that keeps all of us in this country in check.”
Reflecting on how far the legal system has come, he noted that long ago society operated on unwritten norms, but today the complexities of modern governance require certainty, structure, and foresight:
“Long ago, there were unwritten rules, but now we scribe the rules for a world full of uncertainty and unpredictability. And it is not an easy task.”
In a special tribute to the outgoing Director, he praised Ms. Harriet’s exceptional calmness and composure, even in the face of the most challenging decisions:
He commended her steady hand, her firm but gentle leadership, and her ability to remain poised amidst the pressures of national demands.
‘Big Shoes to Fill’: The Acting FPC Director’s Tribute
The Acting Director, First Parliamentary Counsel, Ms. Irene Lugayizi, delivered a sincere and deeply moving tribute to Ms. Harriet Lwabi, a mentor, leader, and quiet force behind Uganda’s legislative excellence.
She began by acknowledging the honour and humility she feels stepping into a role shaped by Ms. Lwabi’s 36 years of unwavering service.
“To say I am stepping into big shoes is an understatement,” she said.
“Ms. Harriet set a standard in quality, leadership, and integrity that anyone who follows must aspire to.”
Ms. Lugayizi described her former boss as a calm and steady leader, patient in teaching, wise in counsel, and devoted to the discipline of legislative drafting. She emphasized that Ms. Lwabi’s contribution to Uganda’s Statute Book is vast, thoughtful, and deeply influential, even if often done quietly and without fanfare.
What stood out most, she said, was her leadership style:
not loud, but firm; not demanding, but inspiring; not rushed, but deeply thoughtful. Her guidance shaped the culture of the Directorate and strengthened the institution from within.
Reflecting on the transition, she spoke with heartfelt gratitude:
“Thank you for leading with grace. Thank you for the wisdom you shared, the calmness you carried, and the spirit of service you lived by.”
She noted that Ms. Lwabi leaves behind not just completed work, but a living legacy found in the systems she built, the standards she set, and the people she mentored.
“Her fingerprints are everywhere,” she added. “As we move forward, we do so stronger because of her.”
She closed by wishing Ms. Lwabi rest, joy, and fulfilment in the next chapter, assuring her that the foundation she built will continue to guide the Directorate for years to come.
Ms. Lwabi’s Own Words: A Heartfelt Farewell
In her moving message of appreciation, Ms. Harriet Lwabi expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and honour shown to her during the celebration:
“The kind words, praises and beautiful gifts left me in awe.”
She described it as the greatest honour of her life to serve Uganda “in the quiet spaces of the FPC Directorate,” and thanked colleagues at every level for their support and collegiality through the years.
She reminded the team of the noble calling they share: “There is no greater work or honour than building your own country, brick by brick, and making the lives of Ugandans better.” And with warmth, humility, and grace, she concluded: “I shall miss you all. God bless and keep you.”
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A Night to Remember
The farewell evening was more than a celebration it was a testament to a lifetime of service rendered with honour, skill, and unwavering integrity. The poolside echoed with heartfelt speeches, good music, great food, clinking glasses, and the warmth of colleagues turned family.
As the Ministry bids farewell to Ms. Harriet Lwabi, it also celebrates a legacy that will continue to guide the Directorate of the First Parliamentary Counsel and inspire generations of legal professionals.
Her chapter at the Ministry closes, but the story she has written in law, in leadership, and in the hearts of her colleagues, will endure.